Nelson Havi's Woes Worsen After Arrest

LSK President Nelson Havi
Former President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nelson Havi in his office in Nairobi County.
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Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi is facing fresh impeachment calls from the body's members, a few days after he was arrested and accused of assault. 

DCI officers apprehended Havi on Tuesday, July 13, after LSK CEO Mercy Wambua filed an assault complaint against the Senior Counsel. The High Court, nonetheless, halted his plea taking after his lawyer sought orders barring his prosecution

Over 1,000 LSK members called for a special general meeting (SGM) scheduled for July 30 to discuss Havi's conduct.

They also urged the CEO to appoint a neutral chairperson as the accused could not coordinate the meeting while facing charges. 

LSK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mercy Wambua.
LSK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mercy Wambua.
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“That in view of the current conflict and paralysis in the Council of the Law Society of Kenya: Nature of the issues to be dealt with at the SGM and the conflict of interest of the current LSK council as well as the broader interest of the society.

"The members present do elect either the senior-most members or any other suitable member present in the meeting to preside over the SGM as contemplated by Regulation 78 of the Law Society of Kenya (General) Regulations, 2020," an excerpt of the notice read. 

Wambua confirmed receipt of the notice and urged the members to verify their signatures within seven days after issuing the notice. 

The CEO and Havi have been embroiled in a bitter row over LSK leadership, with Havi's side advertising, Wambua's position was vacant. 

A confrontation ensued between the two forcing Wambua's side to challenge Havi's decision. 

Nelson Havi had not issued his comments by the time of publishing. 

This would not be the first time rival LSK members are seeking to oust the Senior Counsel. In February 2021, eight council members voted to remove Havi.

"The eight suspended Council Members do not have the power to suspend President Nelson Havi. That is a preserve of Members in a General Meeting. The ‘suspension is a nullity ab initio intended to conceal the theft of Society’s money. I continue to serve till the end of term on March 24, 2022," Havi tweeted.

LSK President Nelson Havi speaking at a past forum in 2019
LSK President Nelson Havi speaking at a past forum in 2019
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